For the last few months, I have been obsessed with cooking programs, from Iron Chef to Chopped to Samurai Gourmet. I’ve been enjoying food series with a relish (no pun intended). So cooking is the name of the game for this recommendation for the novice anime fan. And, when I need a good food series to show to a novice fan, I look no further than Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits (Japanese title: Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi)!
Alright, You Had Me at Food… Tell Me More!
Adapted by Studio Gonzo in 2018, Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits starts in a not-ideal way. Aoi Tsubaki is the main character of this fantasy isekai. Her special talent is that she can see spiritual creatures known as ayakashi. In the first episode, Aoi notes that sometimes these entities can be dangerous to humans. Still, thanks to her now-deceased grandfather teaching her how to take care of herself, she finds that she can cook food that appeals to ayakashi. Food that keeps her safe from them.
One day, while walking down the street, she spies a masked ogre. Not wanting him to attack a random passerby, Aoi gives him her boxed lunch and continues on her way. When she returns later, she finds her lunchbox set aside for her with a scarf wrapped around it. When she picks it up, however, she realizes too late it contains an enchantment. She’s magically whisked away to the world of spirits known as the Hidden Realm. There she discovers a traditional ryokan called Tenjin-ya.
This is when the series really takes a big step towards a bad first impression. It seems that while her grandfather was still alive, he was a regular visitor to the Hidden Realm. One night during a drunken spree, he racked up a massive debt with the establishment. Not able to repay the debt, her grandfather instead signed a contract promising Aoi as the bride to the master of the inn. The same ogre that she gave her lunch to earlier that day.
That Sounds… Troubling, Kakuriyo.
Now, this is where viewers have to make a choice. Either accept this premise at face value and scoff at the idea of a college girl being promised to an ogre (albeit a successful ogre) by a close family relative and turn away in disgust. Or — and hear me out — stick with it for a bit longer. Then you’ll witness the wonderful growth of every character within this cute little romantic slice of life.
While much like other shoujo series that feature troubling premises (The Ancient Magus’ Bride springs to mind), this series proves its worth quickly. Aoi isn’t the type of girl who accepts such a fate. She’ll find a way to repay her grandfather’s debt, herself. Initially, no one in the inn gives her a chance. The hosting, serving, and cooking staff turn her down flatly. Eventually, she finds her way to a small building out back. It is set to be torn down. So, at the suggestion of one of her few friends in the Hidden Realm, she turns it into a restaurant called Moonflower.
What About the Characters?
As we’ve established, Kakuriyo doesn’t start under the most pleasant of circumstances. Aoi is kidnapped, almost strong-armed with what could charitably be called an arranged marriage. Then, when Aoi tries to figure out a reasonable solution, the hotel staff treat her horribly. They refer to her as a “mere human” incapable of doing the work required at the inn. However, this initial struggle drew me in more. Aoi is likable and not cut from the same cloth as many other shoujo heroines. Instead of curling up and feeling defeated, she pulls herself up and makes the most of her situation. Soon she’s growing into her new home and making close friends with her restaurant patrons and other inn employees.
Because of their initial sour dispositions, it’s hard to like many of the supporting characters. When we first meet the master innkeeper he blatantly sees Aoi as a debt he’s collecting on. Similarly, his closest advisors and senior staff members are aghast that he’d marry a weak human girl. They do nothing to help her or openly despise her. As Aoi continues to work hard through the episodes, the relationships she forms with the various ayakashi become more favorable and tolerable.
At Least the Food Is Pretty?
Sadly, Kakuriyo lacks the deft touch needed to make the food — the star of the series — pop off the screen. Food anime are usually impossible to watch without feeling hunger pangs because the animated food looks delicious. While most of Kakuriyo looks good (particularly in the variety of character designs and ayakashi), Gonzo failed to make Aoi’s cooking look delectable. Especially when compared to other luscious food offerings like Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma, Gourmet Girl Graffiti, or even Restaurant in Another World.
What’s An Ayakashi?
Ironically, despite its roots in Japanese folklore, Kakuriyo should easily appeal to newer viewers. Throughout the series, viewers meet several types of ayakashi. Some of them are more obscure than others, and some are cute, but no matter what they are, they will, appreciatively, be explained.
Unless you’re an expert on ayakashi or yokai or other Japanese spiritual entities, it’s easy to look at this series and assume a high knowledge hurdle for entry. That’s not the case for Kakuriyo. Whenever viewers are introduced to a new ayakashi, not only are they identified by type, but the series goes out of its way to explain their powers well. So, whenever an ayakashi appears in any kind of plot appreciative way, their impact is explained and makes sense.
Many fans missed Kakuriyo, but it stands out as a fantastic hidden gem. A strong heroine and memorable supporting characters make it worth seeking out. With a second season scheduled to premiere in late 2025, now is a fantastic time to jump into this one with both feet. Perfect for the food lover or romance junkie in your life.
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